Article | Mahabharata Says A Lot About Environment | Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh | Central Chronicle

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Mahabharata Says A Lot About Environment

     -    Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh

Writer, Author & Social Activist

Blogger - "Climate Diary Of Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh"

 

      Our Aadigranths, our epics are our ideal texts. We read them reverently. We "recite" them. But we do not pay attention to the fact that these epics also tell us the importance of the environment. The Mahabharata epic, which we see as a story full of political maneuvers, also discusses the environment at many places. Vidur who is an expert in politics does not just give advice on politics but also gives advice on preserving the environment. Bhishma does not just talk about protecting the kingdom but advices Yudhishthira to save trees from being cut. The story of Khandav forest burning itself gives a serious environmental lesson. That is, Mahabharata says a lot about the environment, it is necessary to pay attention only to it.

 

In Mahabharata, along with the ideal of religion and policy, a detailed contemplation of the natural world is found. Environmental protection The Hindus have responded in a very positive way for the concern of ecology. They say “One tree is equal to ten sons”. It has been described in detail in the Mahabharata. The importance of trees can be seen at many places in the Mahabharata. Under this, many examples of efforts for the promotion of trees and vegetation have been given under Vidurneeti in Mahabharata's Vanparva. Many types of flora are described. In the context of plant type, it has been said-

Vanaspaterpakwani Falani Prachinoti Yah.

Sa napnoti rasam tebhyo beej chasya vinashyati....

       - Vidura preaches to the people that just as Black Bee (Bhramar) gets honey from flowers by taking nectar from them, neither the flower is harmed and the beetles also get their food. We should also behave in the same way towards nature, that is, we should take so much from nature that it does not cause any harm to nature and our needs are also fulfilled. We should collect flowers from plants, but never try to destroy them completely.

In the 58th chapter of the Mahabharata's Anushasan Parva, Bhishma had said to Yudhishthira, 'Atitanagate chobhe pitruvansh cha Bharat. Tarayed Vriksharopi Cha Tasmat Vrikshaansh Ropayet'. Means O Yudhishthir! The person who plants trees saves the ancestors born in the past and the children born in the future and his ancestors. That's why he should plant trees. It was said in the second sermon, ' Tasya putra bhavantyete padapa natra samashaya. Parlogat: Swarg lokanshchapnoti sovyayan'. That is, the plants planted by man are actually his sons, there is no doubt about this. When that person dies, he gets heaven and other imperishable people. 

Both the stories tell that if man harms nature, nature will harm him in return and this cycle of enmity will go on forever. No one will benefit from this, but both will be harmed. According to legend, Shri Krishna and Arjuna burnt the Khandava forest near Indraprastha on the request of Agnidev. Agnidev had tried seven times to burn this forest but failed every time. Because Takshak Nag, a friend of Devraj Indra, lived in the Khandav forest. To protect him, Indra rained water every time and Agni had to accept defeat to burn the forest. Then Agni sought the help of Krishna-Arjuna and on opposing Indra, Krishna was given Chakra and Kaumod's mace, Gandiva bow to Arjuna, two Akshat Tarkash and divine Cupidhwaj chariot to fight with the gods including Indra. Then Krishna-Arjuna burnt the huge Khandava forest with the help of celestial weapons. Takshak was not in the forest at the time of this incident, although Indra tried his best to save the forest but could not save it. As a result, lakhs of trees of the forest got burnt in the fierce fire, innumerable animals, birds and animals living in it were also burnt to ashes in the fire. Except Takshak's son Nag Ashwasen, Mayasur and four Sharang birds, no animal and vegetation survived.

The Astika Parva of Adi Parva has a story that Takshak Nag had bitten and killed Arjuna's grandson Parikshit in retaliation for burning the Khandav forest. Then when Janamejaya performed Nagayagya to avenge the murder of Parikshit. Then Astik Muni came and made him stop. Many snakes were burnt to ashes in that yagya, but Takshak was saved. As if Astika Muni symbolically taught all of us humans on the pretext of Janamejaya that if the reaction of retribution is retribution, then this cycle will never end. Unnecessary damage to nature harms the environment in which we all humans live. Today it can be easily understood by looking at the dire consequences of climate change. This fact was explained thousands of years ago in the Mahabharata. It is also in our interest to be in the company of all, when we do the work of destruction of forests by focusing only on the fulfillment of our selfishness, at one time it seems right, but its effects have to be suffered by the coming generations.

 Destruction of nature and trees not only results in ill effects of famine and toxic air but our future progeny also have to pay the price in the end.

It is said in Udyog Parv, 'Nirvano Vaghyate Vyaghro Nivryagham Chhidyate Vanam. Tasmadvyaghro Vanam Raksedvayam Vyaghran Cha Palayet'. That is, if there is no forest, then the tiger is killed. If there is no tiger then the forest is destroyed. Therefore, the tiger protects the forest and the forest protects the tiger.

Today we hear many such incidents. Have you ever wondered why herds of elephants attack villages or why poisonous animals like snakes enter homes? Because we are occupying their homes, we are taking away their habitats from them. We have to bear the consequences of this in one way or the other. In this regard, the two stories of Adiparva of Mahabharata are very important which warn about the harm caused by harming nature. Yudhishthira has been given a clear order by Bhishma not to cut the tree. O Yudhishthira!  Do not cut fruit trees in your state. – Vanaspateen bhakshyaphalan na chhindyuvishaye tav.

Mahabharat says, in fact, the existence of human life is safe only as long as our entire environment is balanced and pure. This balance can be achieved only when we do not destroy any living being, do not cut trees and have a loving attitude towards all pastures.

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 (30.07.2023)

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